XM-3500 Registration

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Enviroguy
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Joined: Friday, August 8, 2008 - 09:56
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XM-3500 Registration

Hello all,
Just tried to register a couple of Mountain's Verde 3500 cycles at California DMV today. Thought I would tap your brain trust. They told me I needed 2 VIN numbers affixed to the bike which I expected based on what others have posted. But they also said I needed a "Federal Certification Label" saying that the bike meets all U.S. safety standards. Anyone else have this experience? Seems like something that everyone would encounter across the country. Already sent an email to Mountain Chen. Thanks for any help.

rossasaurus
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Joined: Thursday, July 3, 2008 - 13:51
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Re: XM-3500 Registration

Hi EV,
If you search posts here with my user name you should be able to read my DMV experience in California.

Are they trying to register it as a motorcycle? or a motorized scooter?
For me they looked at the plate on the left lower side and the VIN # on the frame, viewed inside the underseat storage compartment, behind the rectangular snap-in panel at the back of the compartment.
They didn't ask for a DOT label; however, they said I had to go to the CHP to be issued a "motor number"; after a few hours they stamped one on the outside of the hub motor. Read my posts for details.
If they insist on the DOT thing, you might try going to another DMV office; I found at mine they were fishing for how to define the vehicle and how to handle it, so if they didn't enter in their computer that you need the DOT, another office might not come to that conclusion.
If it helps, I think they entered the Brand of vehicle as "XTRM" and type as "Motorized Scooter".
Could it be they wanted the DOT label because they couldn't find the make/brand in their system?
This is really something that Alpha should have forseen and prepared for with the state, especially a populous state like CA.
Where are you in CA?

Ross

Enviroguy
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Re: XM-3500 Registration

Thanks Ross,
I'm located in Orange County. They asked me how fast it went. I told them between 40-45 mph. So they said that it should be classified as a eletric motocycle. I think the motorized scooter classification needs "the ability to be powered by human propulsion" (ie pedals). They looked all over the bike for the 2nd VIN but couldn't find one. I guess I will have to follow your route through the CHP on that. But this DOT label has me a little concerned because even the DMV supervisor could not advise me on how to get one or who to see. He said that typically the manufacturer has their product approved for sale in the U.S. by certifying the vehicle meets U.S. safety standards and that the CHP does not do that part. He gave me the general contact info for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I emailed Mountain..haven't heard back yet. Erik

Enviroguy
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Last seen: 9 years 4 months ago
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Re: XM-3500 Registration

More info. From what I can tell this DOT labelling thing is more of a self certification by the manufacturer. They must register with NHTSA, state that they carry the certification by the brake hose assembly manufacturer, observe regulations regarding lamps, mirrors, etc., use a brake fluid reservoir labeled DOT, rims/tires must have DOT symbol, ... The manufacturer then certifies that they have met these requirements and affixes a special label to that effect. There are also labels regarding emissions that don't apply to EVs.

REQUIREMENTS FOR MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURERS

Enviroguy
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Re: XM-3500 Registration

The importer of a small motor scooter must file an HS-7 Declaration form with Customs at the time of entry on which it must declare whether the motor scooter is a “motor vehicle,” and if so, whether it complies with all applicable FMVSS. If the motor scooter is capable of a maximum speed above 20 miles per hour and is equipped with components (such as lights, mirrors, and turn signals) that are needed for on-road use, NHTSA will regard it as a “motor vehicle.” To be imported without restriction, a motor vehicle must be manufactured to comply with all applicable FMVSS and bear a label certifying such compliance that is permanently affixed by the vehicle’s original manufacturer. Such a vehicle is entered under Box 2A on the HS-7 Declaration form. A motor vehicle that was not originally manufactured to comply with all applicable FMVSS, or was not so certified by its original manufacturer, can only be lawfully imported if it is determined eligible for importation by NHTSA and is imported by an RI or by a person who has a contract with an RI to bring the vehicle into compliance with all applicable standards after importation. Such a vehicle is imported under Box 3 on the HS-7 Declaration form. Small motor scooters that are incapable of a maximum speed above 20 miles per hour may be lawfully entered under Box 8 on the HS-7 Declaration form as vehicles that were not primarily manufactured for on-road use. Such low-speed scooters can be entered in this fashion even if they are equipped with components (such as lights, mirrors, and turn signals) that are normally found on vehicles intended for use on public roads.

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